The Premier League ended yesterday with another incredible season. A season full of records and awe, saw Manchester City winning the title this season.
However, this season of the Premier League will be remembered for its battle of relegation and European spots in the top 4 rather than the fight for the crown which went on till the 38th game week.
There were matters to settle even till the last whistle of the last game.
We bring you the key highlights of what happened this season and more importantly what happened on last day:
#1. The Battle For European Football Next Season:
The battle for the top 4 was much more intense than the first place. Till the last match, it was hard to predict that which teams will play in Europe in next season.
Manchester City and Manchester United were the only secure teams with Champions League spots before yesterday’s games.
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool joined them as Chelsea slumped to a 0-3 defeat and will now have to compete in the Europa League.
Arsenal qualified for Europa and they will be joined by Burnley who last saw European Cup action in 1961.
#2. Stoke, West Brom and Swansea Face The Door:
Once formidable sides in the Premier League, Swansea City, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion have been relegated this season.
Although Swansea was technically still not out till yesterday. They could not win with a margin of 10 goals and now will see themselves playing in the EFL Championship.
The battle for relegation was intense, this season. Southampton and Huddersfield could have been the ones who got relegated but they were saved by a narrow escape. Swansea have been relegated after a stretch of 7 years, West Bromwich after 8 years and Stoke City after a stint of 10 years in Premier League. Historic, indeed.
#3. Manchester City On A Record Run:
Manchester City finished their Premier League campaign not only with the title but also with complete domination of local competition.
They won the league in style by breaking multiple records.
They became the first club in English footballing history to reach 100 points in the Premier League, they set the record for the most goals scored by a team with 106 goals scored, most matches won in a single season in Premier League history with 32, the biggest margin of win in the league’s history with 19 points (a record previously held by their rivals Manchester United), most points away from home by winning a record-breaking 16 matches on the road and collecting 50 points and they have also set a new goal difference record of +79.
Truly a remarkable season for Manchester City.
Related: How the Burnley Football Club Regained Prominence Under Sean Dyche
#4. Mohamed Salah Wins The Golden Boot And Enters The History Books:
Mohamed Salah broke the record of most goals scored in Premier League by scoring a total of 32 goals. He was undoubtedly the most lethal forward this season as he broke the record which had been long-held by Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez.
For a winger to win the Golden Boot is an achievement in itself.
#5 David De Gea Wins The Golden Glove, Again:
If there is one person Manchester United and their fans can always rely on, it’s David De Gea. His performances this season were mesmerizing as always and it was no shock that he won the Golden Glove yet again, with a record of 19 clean sheets this season.
Summary Of The Season:
This season was truly a delight.
Manchester City completely outdid others season by setting new records and no one threatened their dominance even once the entire campaign. Manchester United, who finished second were also a formidable side this season despite having a few hiccups along the way.
Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool could have played better than they have but their campaign was not entirely bad. Liverpool are, however in major title contention next season as they have a big break to increase the depth in their squad and can wreak havoc on opposition next season.
Arsenal were lousy in away games and that cost them dearly. They won’t play in the Champions League next season, yet again. Fans are, however hopeful with a change in management but unless a reputed manager is brought and he is given a sufficient budget, I don’t see any change in their position even in next season.
Teams like Southampton, Huddersfield and West Ham will have to seriously consider changing their tactics if they want to avoid getting relegated as Wolverhampton and Cardiff are joining the top flight next season and they are going to provide serious trouble not only for the relegation-battling teams but also for big boys in the top 4 contention spots.
Annnnnnd that’s it from our side, folks!
All eyes now on the FIFA World Cup 2018.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: PremierLeague.com, BBC, Sky Sports + more
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